How to say “I prefer this” in Portuguese basics

Introduction

This article teaches English-speaking beginners how to say I prefer this in Brazilian Portuguese and when to use it in everyday situations. You will learn key verbs, vocabulary, short phrases, polite variations, and common mistakes so you can choose the right expression at a cafe, shop, or with friends.

Basic phrase: how to say I prefer this

The simplest and most direct way to say I prefer this in Brazilian Portuguese is Eu prefiro isto. Prefiro comes from the verb preferir, which means to prefer. Eu is the personal pronoun I. Isto means this (neutral). For spoken Brazilian Portuguese, you will usually hear other forms that sound more natural in conversation.

Common conversational alternatives

Here are everyday alternatives that sound more natural than the literal Eu prefiro isto. Each example uses Brazilian Portuguese only for the phrase, followed by an English explanation.

Prefiro este — I prefer this (masculine). Use when referring to a masculine noun like um café or um suco.

Prefiro esta — I prefer this (feminine). Use when referring to a feminine noun like uma sobremesa or uma água.

Prefiro esse — I prefer that one. Common when choosing between two visible items; esse often implies the item is closer to the listener.

Prefiro aquele — I prefer that one over there. Use for something farther away or previously mentioned.

Eu prefiro — I prefer. A short, flexible reply used alone when context is clear.

Verb details: conjugation of preferir

Understanding the verb helps you use it in different situations. Preferir is an irregular verb in Portuguese. For a beginner, memorize these present-tense forms useful for simple statements:

Eu prefiro — I prefer

Tu preferes — you prefer (informal, less common in Brazil)

Ele/ela/você prefere — he/she/you prefer

Nós preferimos — we prefer

Vocês preferem — you all prefer

Eles/elas preferem — they prefer

Note: In everyday Brazilian speech, você is used more than tu for you singular. For a beginner, use eu prefiro and você prefere to stay natural.

Using demonstratives with preferir

Demonstratives point to objects and must agree in gender and number with the noun. Here are practical pairs and examples.

Masculine singular: este, esse, aquele
Example: Prefiro este livro. — I prefer this book.

Feminine singular: esta, essa, aquela
Example: Prefiro esta camisa. — I prefer this shirt.

Neutral or unspecified: isto, isso, aquilo
Example: Prefiro isto. — I prefer this (neutral).

Plural examples: Prefiro estes sapatos. — I prefer these shoes.
Prefiro essas opções. — I prefer those options.

When to use este vs esse vs aquele

Use este/esta when the item is close to the speaker, esse/essa when it is close to the listener or already mentioned, and aquele/aquela for something farther away. Beginners can often choose between este and esse without major confusion; listening to context helps.

Polite and softening phrases

Beginners often want polite ways to express preference. Use these phrases in restaurants, stores, or formal situations.

Eu prefiro + noun — polite and neutral. Example: Eu prefiro o suco de laranja. — I prefer the orange juice.

Gosto mais de + noun — I like X more. Softer than prefiro. Example: Gosto mais de chá. — I like tea more.

Acho melhor + infinitive or noun — I think it is better to; I think X is better. Example: Acho melhor esse prato. — I think this dish is better.

Adding por favor or com licença makes the statement more polite: Eu prefiro este, por favor.

Practical contexts and sample dialogues

Here are realistic short dialogues a beginner might use when choosing food, drinks, clothing, or options in daily life.

Cafe ordering:
Barista: Você quer café ou chá?
Você: Eu prefiro café, por favor.

At the market:
Vendedor: Prefere maçã verde ou vermelha?
Você: Prefiro a vermelha.

Choosing clothes:
Amigo: Este ou aquele vestido?
Você: Prefiro este, fica melhor.

Deciding between schedules:
Funcionário: Tem vagas às 9h ou às 14h.
Você: Prefiro às 14h, obrigado.

Short phrases for quick responses

These are compact replies you can use in conversation or when pointing at items.

Prefiro este.

Prefiro essa.

Eu prefiro assim. — I prefer it like this.

Prefiro que você escolha. — I prefer that you choose.

Vocabulary list: words related to preference

preferir — to prefer

preferência — preference

gostar — to like

mais — more

melhor — better

este/esta — this (near speaker)

esse/essa — that (near listener or mentioned)

aquele/aquela — that over there

Grammar and pronunciation tips for beginners

Preferir: stress the second syllable pre-FI-rir. In speech, final r sounds often soften in Brazilian Portuguese; prefiro sounds like pre-FEE-ro. Demonstratives: this/that words change by gender and number; always match the noun.

Article-noun agreement: Portuguese uses definite articles before nouns commonly. Example: Prefiro o suco, not just Prefiro suco, in many contexts both are acceptable but using the article sounds more natural with specific items.

Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

1. Forgetting gender agreement: Saying Prefiro este camisa is wrong. Correct: Prefiro esta camisa.

2. Mixing este/esse/aquele without context: If unsure, use Prefiro este when the item is near you, or say Eu prefiro plus the item name to be clear.

3. Using tu forms in Brazil: Many learners use tu prefires. In most of Brazil, preferir is used with você prefere. For safe usage, say Você prefere for you rather than Tu preferes.

4. Omitting the article incorrectly: Prefiro água is acceptable in some contexts, but when specifying, use Prefiro a água to mean a specific water bottle or option.

Practice exercises for building confidence

Exercise 1: Look around and say out loud five sentences using Eu prefiro with objects you see. Example: Eu prefiro este caderno.

Exercise 2: Role-play ordering at a restaurant. Practice both Prefiro and Gosto mais de. Example: Gosto mais de frango, mas prefiro legumes hoje.

Exercise 3: Swap demonstratives. Name an item and make three sentences: Prefiro este, Prefiro esse, Prefiro aquele, imagining different distances.

Short checklist for real-life use

1. Identify gender of the noun: masculine or feminine.

2. Choose the correct demonstrative: este/esta, esse/essa, or aquele/aquela.

3. Use eu prefiro or prefiro alone in casual speech.

4. Add por favor or obrigado to be polite in service situations.

Conclusion

Mastering how to say I prefer this in Brazilian Portuguese means learning the verb preferir, the correct demonstratives, and polite variations for real situations. Practice short phrases, pay attention to gender agreement, and use polite forms when ordering or asking for services. With these examples and exercises you will be ready to express preferences confidently in everyday Brazilian Portuguese.